Love the Person In Front of You

Scripture:   The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

–2 Peter 3:9 (NIV)

     After recently moving to a suburb of a large metropolitan area, I began to feel discouraged and at times frightened by all the news about nearby criminal activity. It was hard to read about an armed robbery at a convenience store, a hit and run accident that injured a young child, or a group of thieves following a delivery truck to steal packages.

     My first response was to pray for the victims of these area crimes. I could immediately identify with the fear of the store employee, grief of the child’s family, and the anger of those whose packages were taken.

       However, the more I let my prayers be guided by the news stories, the more concern I developed for the perpetrators of these local crimes. I asked myself. “What circumstances would lead a neighbor of mine to choose such criminal acts?”

     These words from 2 Peter remind me that God has been patient with my failings, and God deeply desires for all people to repent and come to faith in Christ. As grateful as I am that my sins have been forgiven, I am now feeling called to pray for criminals in my own community to experience a change of heart and a transformation of spirit.

     I am also challenged to consider what part I might play in offering God’s love and forgiveness to the lost people I encounter daily. My local church encourages its membership to “love the person in front of you.” This statement means accepting people as they are instead of judging them. I try to remember these challenging words when I encounter people whose actions appear to bring harm to others. Then I ask Jesus to help me love them as he already does.